Education for Ministry

All members of the Christian faith are called to serve as ministers in the world. Education for Ministry (EfM) is a tool that educates laity, teaching them to think theologically about the world around them. Diocesan EfM Coordinator Robert Bennett called EfM “the best program in the Episcopal Church for adult lay ministry education.”

EfM is a distance-learning program from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., which is usually held within congregations. It is a four-year course consisting of weekly seminars, although many students take fewer than the full four years. The seminars meet nine months of the year. Each seminar group is made up of 6 to 12 people and a group mentor who facilitates and participates fully in all discussions.

The four years of study include the Old Testament, New Testament, History of Christianity, and Modern Theology. Students are given study materials and resource guides that allow them to continue their education outside of class. They are also asked to commit to a form of regular prayer or refection.

The main focus of the group is on theological reflection, which is a specific process that teaches students to think theologically about all of God’s creation and apply that thinking to daily life.

After completion of the four-year program, students are given a Certificate of Completion; for every year of class students receive 18 Continuing Education credits.

To join an EfM group or become a mentor in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, contact EfM Coordinators Robert Bennett: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Rev. Vincent E. Black: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 216-774-0453. For more information on the program, click here.